Ace Your Job Interview: Ten Tips for Quickly Staying Calm and Confident!

Congratulations! You've landed yourself an interview after finding a job posting you're excited about and polishing up your resume. But as you step into the interview area, nervousness starts to creep in. You're feeling awkward; your palms are sweaty, your voice is shaky, and your face feels flushed. Maybe your knees are trembling, and you're speaking too fast. Perhaps your heart is racing, or your stomach is churning.

While nervousness can stem from various reasons, overcoming it is crucial for projecting confidence and composure when meeting with potential employers. You don't want to let this precious opportunity slip away just because of nerves.

In this article, we'll explore TEN methods to overcome these nervous feelings before and during the interview process.

Be Well-Prepared

Feeling nervous before interviews is common due to the fear of the unknown. To ease those nerves, prepare thoroughly. Research the company, rehearse common interview questions, and practice with a friend. Have your resume and notes ready, including any questions you have, key points about yourself, and important reminders. Knowing your interviewer's role and what to expect can also help calm your nerves.

Don't wait until the last minute to print your resume. Lay out and iron your clothes the day before. Plan your route, give yourself plenty of travel time, and arrive at the interview location 15 minutes early.Get a good night's sleep.

Having Breakfast

Make sure to have breakfast before your interview to fuel yourself for the day ahead. Skipping breakfast can increase your anxiety, so it's essential to eat something to keep your energy levels up. Opt for one of your favorite foods to boost your mood and start the day on the right foot.

Just A Friendly Conversation

Try to approach the interview as a friendly conversation rather than a formal job interview. Think of it as an opportunity for both you and the interviewer to learn more about each other and see if you would work well together. Remember, the person interviewing you may also be feeling nervous, so starting with a smile can help create a comfortable atmosphere for everyone.

Don’t Be Too Harsh on Yourself

It's important to remember that everyone makes mistakes, and that includes you. Even if you're the perfect fit for the job, it's okay to slip up occasionally. Don't be too harsh on yourself – nobody's perfect. Before the interview, try not to dwell on past mistakes or put too much pressure on yourself to be flawless. Remember, you're human, and so is the interviewer.

Engage in Physical Activity

To help alleviate some of the adrenaline buildup before your interview, consider incorporating some exercise into your routine. Whether it's a brisk walk or a quick run, physical activity can help release tension and calm your nerves. If you're unable to exercise beforehand, arrive early for your interview by going for a short walk to release any pent-up nervous energy.

Emphasize Your Strengths and Objectives

Anxiety can make even the most talented individuals feel like inadequate failures. Ask yourself, why do you want this job? There's nothing more empowering than having a clear goal to strive for being nervous.

Focus on communicating your strengths and goals rather than trying to guess what the interviewer is thinking. Remember, you can't be both the performer and the audience simultaneously. Just focus on doing your best, and let the interviewer do their job.

Pay Attention to Your Body Language

Even if you're feeling a bit nervous, your body language can still project confidence. Keep your posture straight, maintain eye contact, and give a firm handshake when meeting the interviewer.

Try to refrain from fidgeting or crossing your arms, as these actions might indicate nervousness. Instead, focus on displaying confident body language. This not only helps you appear more self-assured to the interviewer but also boosts your own confidence during the interview.

Take a Deep Breath

Pay attention to your breath whenever possible. This simple practice helps keep your thoughts centered and prevents your emotions from getting out of control. Before you say anything, take a moment to pause and take a deep breath. This mindful approach to breathing helps you stay calm, and taking a pause before speaking allows you to gather your thoughts and respond thoughtfully.

Try the AWARE technique for managing anxiety

A: Acknowledge your nervousness and recognize that it serves a purpose.

W: Watch your feelings of anxiety from a detached perspective.

A: Take Action by practicing deep breathing, like the 7-11 technique. Inhale slowly to the count of 7, filling your stomach with air, then exhale slowly to the count of 11.

R: Repeat these steps 5-10 times, noticing how your anxiety diminishes.

E: Embrace a positive mindset and use affirmations to reinforce your confidence.

Focus on One Question at a Time During the Interview

Instead of feeling overwhelmed by the entire interview, treat each question as a separate moment. Listen carefully to each question, pause to gather your thoughts, and respond calmly. By breaking the interview into smaller parts, it becomes less daunting and intimidating.